5+design is working on a 4.3M SF lifestyle center in Wuhan, China. The five-parcel mixed-use project will create an environmentally sustainable community for the region--the first of its kind, says managing principal Michael Ellis, who told Bisnow all about the development.

Michael says Wuhan is a "second-tier" area of China, but that projects like Park Place are helping it rise. The project is on more than 160 acres and includes two large office towers (928 feet and 610 feet), two residential towers (both about 558 feet), a four-level shopping mall and an urban farm. The developer, Shui On Land, has extensive experience in the Chinese market.

The urban farm on the rooftop of the retail podium is designed to provide education on sustainability and organic gardening opportunities for the surrounding community. Michael tells us the goal of the project is to create a fully integrated community, where people could walk from their homes to work and retail all in the same place. The project, which is underway on its first of two phases, will eventually include schools as well. A retail bridge connects the project between two separate parcels and on top of the bridge, there will be a restaurant and entertainment village. Also, a sky bridge floats above the corporate plaza located in the project’s office towers.

Michael tells us 5+Design was founded about a decade ago and got into the Chinese market immediately, as he says it was much more active and dynamic. The firm has about a dozen projects under construction in China, and has completed about five already. These projects are becoming common in growing Chinese cities, and Michael says more are still to come.